Deva (ten) or guardian deity
Ōji Kara Daikoku
王子迦羅大黒
Listed as one of the Six Daikoku. The Six Daikoku are six forms that Shōhōin introduces as the family and attendants of Daikokuten. In the faith in Daikokuten, Buddhist protection overlaps with prayers for food and for good fortune.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
The name and role of Ōji Kara Daikoku
Listed as one of the Six Daikoku. He is explained as a prince born to Daikoku and his consort, 摩伽迦羅大黒女.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
Tracing the figure and traditions
It is recorded that he holds a sword in his right hand and a sanko (three-pronged implement) in his left, and wears ikan sokutai court dress.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院・飛不動尊 正宝院
The faith in Daikokuten, which developed in many directions
The Six Daikoku are six forms introduced as the family and attendants of Daikokuten. In Daikokuten, the character of a stern god who protects Buddhism overlaps with faith related to food and good fortune. His form changed across eras and regions, and in Japan he also came to be combined with Ōkuninushi no Mikoto.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
From protector of the kitchen to many forms
Shōhōin introduces how Daikokuten was enshrined in dining halls and kitchens, and how, as the faith spread, forms such as Sanmen Daikoku, the Six Daikoku and Fūfu Daikoku arose. The Daikokuten of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, holding rice bales and a small mallet, is not his only form. The figure of each of the Six Daikoku shows this diverse development.
Source: 飛不動尊 正宝院
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：王子迦羅大黒」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：六大黒」（2026-10-14 確認）